Thursday, 08 May 2025
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For sedans to remain a strong competitor in the battle for customer interest, they have to keep things sharp. So, many are undergoing redesigns. One of those is the Hyundai Sonata, which gets a brand new look for the 2020 model year.

In baseball terms, sometimes automakers hit a double or a triple when they unveil these remodels, but Hyundai has knocked it out of the park here. The 2020 Sonata looks brilliant, drives wonderfully and has a tech bonanza inside. Read on for my full thoughts on the vehicle, which is bound to do wonders for Hyundai and the sedan category as a whole.

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First let's talk about the paint job. The vehicle I tested was a stunning color called Glowing Yellow. I've never quite seen this color on another car and was extremely impressed with the look. 

The overall design of this redesigned Sonata is truly eye-catching and had heads turning when I drove it. With a low and lean profile and a sharp-looking panoramic moonroof, this Sonata looks like a vehicle of the future, not of the past.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Hyundai Sonata 
  • Price as tested $31,265 
  • Best feature Stylish new look, sporty drive, strong tech offerings
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars 
  • Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers who want to turn heads and love their commute
Posted On Sunday, 04 October 2020 00:58 Written by
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The Lexus RX 450h is the rare combination of a ride that is smooth, quiet and even a bit powerful when you need it to be.

The RX line is the best-selling luxury SUV in America, so its following is already quite strong, but it sees a refresh for the 2020 model year. Did it get even better? Read on and find out.

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The exterior design of the 2020 Lexus RX sees some significant changes, including an even larger spindle grille and changes to the front bumper and headlight designs, and updates to rear bumper and taillight. It also updates the suspension hardware to improve the ride quality.

On the interior, the experience for both the driver and passengers is very comfortable. Lexus always delivers on their interiors, and this one is tremendously crafted and high-end throughout. Head and leg space is ample for everyone inside, though the one knock I have is that the cargo capacity is a bit limited compared to other luxury SUVs of this category.

The RX 450h features 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels, LED headlamps and tail lamps, dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents, extremely comfortable power NuLuxe trimmed front seats, power Tilt and telescopic steering column.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Lexus RX 450h 
  • Price as tested $59,440 (starts at $47K) 
  • Best feature Sharp interior and exterior design; smooth and quiet ride; tech and safety prowess  
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars
  • Who will want this vehicle? Luxury SUV buyers who want to go green, still want some power and style
Posted On Monday, 28 September 2020 22:59 Written by
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Despite a healthy lineup of SUVs already in their arsenal, including the tiny but lauded Hyundai Kona, Hyundai decided that another, even smaller, subcompact was needed.

Aimed at city dwellers who need a compact ride for small parking spaces and strong fuel mileage, but want more than a subcompact sedan, the Hyundai Venue debuted for the 2020 model year.

I recently spent some time driving a 2020 Venue, and here’s a full report on my experience and where this vehicle fits in the growing SUV/crossover landscape.

LOOKS
Measuring several inches shorter than the already diminutive Kona, the Venue is not meant for people who regularly transport passengers who are not small children or tiny adults. It’s also not meant for road trips due to its lack of power and lack of storage space. It’s a commuter car through and through, so my advice is to use the rear seating as a storage area.

The exterior design of the Venue is one of the nicer-looking in the segment, combining the looks of a hatchback with crossover styling.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Hyundai Venue  
  • Price as tested $23,405 (starts around $19K) 
  • Best feature One of the most affordable small crossover SUVs available; tech and safety features
  • Rating 3.5 out of five stars  
  • Who will want this vehicle? City dwellers who want a small, agile ride with solid tech and safety features
Posted On Tuesday, 15 September 2020 01:25 Written by
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What’s that you say? A sporty Toyota Avalon? Have pigs started to fly?

No, the pigs are not yet airborne. But yes, starting with the 2020 model year, Toyota has given the TRD treatment to its traditional, full-size family sedan, and the Avalon has a very cool, racecar-looking version that may appeal to a different segment of car buyers.

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To get right to the point, the Avalon TRD is definitely a looker. It garnered a lot of attention while I was driving it, and for good reason.

Up front, you get a truly aggressive-looking spiderweb grille design, on the tires you get a distinctive black and red look, and on the rear you get dual exhaust with polished tips and a piano black rear spoiler. It's also immediately noticeable how low to the ground this vehicle is.

Additional Info

  • Vehicle 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD
  • Price as tested $45,394
  • Best feature Powerful engine, racecar looks, roomy interior 
  • Rating 4.5 out of five stars 
  • Who will want this vehicle? Sedan buyers seeking a roomy sedan that offers a thrilling driving experience
Posted On Wednesday, 09 September 2020 01:09 Written by
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There’s a false conception held by many automotive shoppers that you have to either choose a family-friendly luxury SUV, or choose something more adventurous.

While the options are rare, there are some vehicles that still bridge this gap, and one of those is the 2020 Lexus GX460, a large SUV that’s a cross between a stylish and luxurious family ride and an off-road-ready adventure machine. 

There are many luxury SUVs to compete with the Lexus GX, but this vehicle essentially stands alone in the class as an old-school body-on-frame SUV that is truly off-road capable. I recently spent some time in a 2020 GX460, and I’m back with a full report.

LOOKS

Considering what the GX460 is capable of, you wouldn't expect it to have the luxurious look and feel that it does inside and out.

Lexus always delivers on their interiors, and the plush seating in the GX will be comfortable even on very long rides. It's extremely roomy inside the GX, except the third row which is a bit tight and meant for smaller children.

Posted On Thursday, 03 September 2020 18:58 Written by
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